Bedside Crib and Travel Cot
Bedside cribs are a bassinet-style cot that is attached to the bed's side. Some have a side that can be adjusted to allow easy access, while others come with an incline that is perfect for reflux babies.
MFM test subject Georgina said that this crib was easy to build and the directions were clear. It was a simple construction. It folds into a compact size, and comes with a handy travel bag.
Easy to assemble
They are compact and easy to set up, meaning they can be set close to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more mobile. Georgina, who was one of MFM's home testers, said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was "super easy to assemble, with clear instructions, and zips that are easy to open." The crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag for when you're on the move. It has multiple mesh openings for ventilation and its height adjustable allows it to fit any mattress.
Some cribs with a bedside have a side panel that can be raised, allowing easy access to your baby without the need to get out of your bed. This is a great solution for breastfeeding mothers, or those who want to be with their baby all night long but don't want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).
Many models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be a very relaxing experience for your baby, and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which can be useful if your baby has reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision, and a health professional or a GP is recommended prior to attempting this position.
Many cribs for bed come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help calm the baby. Some come with a storage compartment beneath, which is ideal to store extra blankets, nappies, and other items for your baby.
Many cribs for bedside use can be converted into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling point for many families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner the Joie Roomie Go for instance, comes with side panels that can be removed with conversion kits, as well as a tummy tilt, making it versatile enough for travelling. It comes with five different height adjustments that can be adjusted to your bed. The MFM home testers loved it for its comfort, easy to assemble and compact. The Graco Play Yard is also called a Pack and Play is a popular choice. It was shortlisted for the 2022 Mother&Baby Award.
Cozy and comfortable
A bedside crib allows you to watch your baby from the comfortable bed. It's the ideal solution for a mother recovering from a c-section as you can easily lift baby up to you to feed them or make nappy changes without having to get out of bed. The most cozy cribs have mesh sides that let you view your baby's face through.
Some cribs allow you to lower the barrier completely. This lets you co-sleep with no risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety standards). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then raise it again after you take the baby out. This is ideal for parents who are concerned about their child's ability to roll off their mattress.
The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards for the Best Cot or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to attach to divans and bedsteads but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure your bed is able to accommodate). It's a large design with an opening side panel and a patented perforated base that creates an air cushion to boost air flow. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux, and an swivel that can be 360 degrees to allow you to move the crib according to the preferred position of your baby.
If you're seeking something smaller Tutti Bambini CoZee comes with oak legs that come with a range of fabric options that complement your decor. It's also incredibly easy to put together and Georgina, who took part in our MFM tests, put it together speedily and didn't even need to read the instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be easily stuffed into bags.
The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still small and easy to connect to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been better explained on the instruction sheet.
Easy to clean
Look for cribs with mattress covers that can be washed with the machine while looking at bedside cribs or travel cots. That will help you keep it free of leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. It is also recommended to choose a model that is easily disassembled, allowing you to clean and sanitise all the nooks.
This is vital, since it will ensure that all dirt and germs have been removed. You'll also want to check that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or spaces that your child could slide down or become trapped.
You'll also need to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it fits with your bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. They are designed to fit securely to the side of the bed for parents, allowing parents to easily access their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while ensuring the safety of separate sleeping areas.
Another aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is if it comes with extra features you might consider useful. Some cribs can tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy.
It is important to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by making sure that your baby's feet and head don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.
It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your travel cot or crib, rather than using one that has been handed down from another person or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time which increases the risk of SIDS. All cribs new to market have to meet BS EN1130 for 2019. This is the most recent standard that introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.
Multi-faceted
A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're sometimes known) can be attached to your bed, allowing you to reach your baby easily at night, without needing to get out of your bed to sleep. They can be used as a standalone crib during the daytime. They usually come with a side panel that can be lowered to let you see your baby and touch the baby. Some cribs let you keep the side panel in place at night. This lets you be close and comfortable with your baby while minimising the risk of sharing a bed. Some cribs can be converted into a travel cot or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, remember to speak to your GP about this), or turning into an older baby cot or playpen.
The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib, and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This crib has six height settings, as well as a useful shelf to store things on. It's also a little bit heavier and bulkier than other portable cribs we've tried and comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free in storage.
The instructions are easy to follow and there is a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It is also easy to clean thanks to the possibility of washing it in the machine and the breathable fabric. It comes with a few additional features compared to other cribs, including an anti-reflux angle as well as a rocking feature and an storage compartment.
Jasmin says that this crib is fantastic because it's "easy to reach the baby in the middle of the night for a peaceful feeding and is larger than the majority of Moses Baskets so it will last a longer period of time before my son is old enough to use it". She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It can be positioned on divans, making it an ideal choice for those with small space. It also comes with a handy bag to take on your travels. bedside sleeper cot -rounder.